Thursday, September 12th, 1935

Paul has persistent fever

I sure hat to see Paul sick, Mary writes. He has a fever of 103 degrees. There is grave concern. Mary is afraid to tell her own mother who is still recovering from surgery.

She is up day and night with Paul, bathing him to cool him down. Lloyd's adult sons come by and bring ice cream for the little sufferer who now has a fever of 105. Everyone is worried. Will the other kids remain healthy?

Friday, July 26th, 1935

Washing machines and radios

Mary got a bad scare. She thought DJ was hit!

Now that they have had a full pay, things like clothes for the kids are gotten and a washing machine seems like a good idea. $10 wouldn't put them out very much.

I'd love to look at a Marion Star for this weekend to see what show they went to see on Sunday.

Would you believe that the police were prowling the neighborhood looking for the loud radio? Of course, we're talking something like that new swing sound from that new kid Benny Goodman on NBC played over a Philco; not some hip-hop blasting boom box.

Lawrence is mentioned here. He is one of Garnie (Benson) Weaver's kids, the father of Don Weaver, former Morrow County Commissioner who just recently passed away. Also mentioned for the first time here is Emma. Who is she?

Thursday, May 15th, 1935

Check came

Where did the check come from? Was there public support in the 30's? And don't you think Mary did an awful lot of ironing? She metions it often. Count your perment press blessings.

She sure was tickled to get her hair done.

Mary got a ride home to mother's again where she spent some time fishing. Who is Matt?

Tuesday, May 7th, 1935

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRANDMA!

Mary writes, "Today is my birthday. I ironed and Lloyd got 38 mushrooms and planted a maple tree for me..." She noted that she was now 30 years old. Included today with her diary entry is a picture of her, looking somewhere around the age 30. Does anyone actually know when this picture was taken?

These pages note many good things. Birthday gifts, mushrooms and greens found off the land; a new tree, a new dress to sew; numerous visitors and spring plantings. She even got to listen to the radio over at Harry's place. she wishes she had a radio, but alas, not now, not for her birthday.

She also talks about pie plant for pies. What is pie plant? And romance is in the air. Mr. Levin is showing an interest in Mae.

Sunday, January 27th, 1935

Folks are feeling better

Albert's name is mention for the first time in Mary's diary. Albert is yet another brother of Lloyd. Albert's wife Nellie is also mentioned.

Nellie also happens to be Lloyd's first cousin. That's right. Since Albert is Lloyd's brother, that means Albert married his first cousin. They had one son, Harold Eugene Benson (1911-1995).

Nellie's mother, Emma Belle Billett, and the Benson boy's mother, Leah Billett, were sisters, children of Michael and Susan (Moore) Billett.

But who is little Dickie? And who are agents?

Friday, January 11th, 1935

Roosevelt's camp, chickenpox and wrestling

Mary notes that someone advises her to go to one of Roosevelt's Camps. She didn't do it.

Her seven year old son Paul, the second oldest child, comes down with the chickenpox. This is the opening of what is to be a very serious illness.

Her oldest son, 8-year old Leo Richard, is mentioned here for the first time and he goes off with is father and Uncle Roy to the wrestling matches.